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Ravages - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ravages refers to the severe and destructive effects of something, such as time, war, or disease. It often describes widespread damage or deterioration caused by prolonged harm.

ravages

/ˈrævɪdʒɪz/ /ˈrævɪdʒɪz/

Definition:

The destructive effects or severe damage caused by something over time.

Synonyms:

devastations, ruins, damages, wrecks

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

repairs, restorations

Common Collocations:

war ravages, time ravages, disease ravages, nature ravages, economic ravages

Derivatives:

ravaged, ravaging

Usage Tips:

Use "ravages" to describe widespread destruction, often from natural forces or prolonged events like war or aging.

Common Phrases:

the ravages of time, the ravages of war, the ravages of nature

Etymology:

From Old French "ravager," meaning to destroy or lay waste, ultimately from Latin "rapīre" (to seize).

Examples:

  • 1. The hurricane left behind the ravages of flooded homes and uprooted trees.
  • 2. Time has not spared the ancient ruins from its relentless ravages.
  • 3. The documentary showed the ravages of deforestation on wildlife habitats.
  • 4. Disease brought the ravages of famine to the vulnerable population.

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